Boston, the capital and largest city in Massachusetts, is a major cultural and financial hub in New England. With a population exceeding 675,000 within its 48.4 square miles, it ranks as the third largest city in the Northeastern US. The Greater Boston metropolitan area, encompassing the city and surrounding regions, holds the title of the largest metro area in New England and the eleventh largest nationwide.
1901: Founding of the American League and the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox, a founding member of the American League of Major League Baseball, came into existence in 1901, marking a significant moment in Boston's baseball history.
1903: First Modern World Series
Boston hosted the first game of the first modern World Series in 1903, pitting the AL Champion Boston Americans against the NL champion Pittsburgh Pirates, marking a historic event in baseball history.
1903: Boston's Film History Begins
Boston's history with filmmaking began as early as 1903, and the city remains a popular location for filming and as a backdrop in movies.
1906: Construction of the Longfellow Bridge
The Longfellow Bridge, a prominent landmark in Boston, was completed in 1906 and gained literary recognition for its unique "salt and pepper shakers" design as described in Robert McCloskey's "Make Way for Ducklings".
July 4, 1911: Record High Temperature in Boston
Boston experienced its highest-ever recorded temperature on July 4, 1911, reaching a scorching 104°F (40°C).
1911: Name Change for Boston's Baseball Team
The Boston Beaneaters, the city's professional baseball team, underwent a name change in 1911, reflecting evolving team identities and branding in baseball.
1912: Opening of Fenway Park
Fenway Park, the iconic home of the Boston Red Sox, first opened its gates in 1912.
1912: Construction of Fenway Park
Fenway Park, the iconic home of the Boston Red Sox, was constructed in 1912, becoming a beloved landmark and a testament to the city's enduring passion for baseball.
1912: Annexation of Hyde Park
In 1912, the city of Boston annexed the town of Hyde Park.
1916: MIT Relocation
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), initially established in Boston and known as "Boston Tech," made a significant move in 1916. The institution relocated across the Charles River to Cambridge, marking a turning point in its history and establishing its presence in what would become a renowned hub for education and innovation.
December 30, 1917: Record Cold Daily Maximum Temperature
The coldest daily maximum temperature ever recorded in Boston was a frigid 2°F (-17°C) on December 30, 1917.
September 8, 1923: Opening of Logan International Airport
Logan International Airport, a vital transportation hub for Boston and the surrounding region, commenced operations on September 8, 1923.
1924: Founding of the Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins, a professional hockey team, was established in 1924.
November 1928: First Game of the Boston Bruins at Boston Garden
The Boston Bruins, a founding member of the National Hockey League (NHL), played their inaugural game at the Boston Garden in November 1928.
February 9, 1934: Record Low Temperature in Boston
The all-time lowest temperature ever recorded in Boston was -18°F (-28°C) on February 9, 1934.
1952: Relocation of the Boston Braves
The Boston Braves, formerly known as the Beaneaters, relocated to Milwaukee in 1952, marking a significant shift in the city's baseball landscape.
1953: Construction of Columbia Point Public Housing Complex
The Columbia Point public housing complex, a large-scale residential development, was constructed in 1953.
1957: Last Sub-Zero Temperature Reading Before 2023
Before the record low temperature in 2023, the previous instance of sub-zero temperatures in Boston occurred in 1957.
1957: Establishment of the Boston Redevelopment Authority
The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) was created in 1957 to spearhead urban renewal initiatives throughout the city.
1958: West End Urban Renewal Project
The BRA launched a controversial urban renewal project in Boston's historic West End neighborhood in 1958, leading to widespread demolition and the displacement of numerous families.
1960: Founding of the Boston Patriots
The New England Patriots, initially known as the Boston Patriots, were founded in 1960, marking the beginning of their journey as a professional football team.
1965: Opening of Columbia Point Health Center
The Columbia Point Health Center, the first of its kind in the United States, opened its doors in Dorchester in 1965, primarily serving residents of the adjacent Columbia Point public housing complex.
1966: Relocation of the Boston Braves to Atlanta
The Boston Braves, after relocating to Milwaukee, eventually settled in Atlanta in 1966, becoming the Atlanta Braves and leaving a void in Boston's baseball scene.
1971: Relocation of the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, originally the Boston Patriots, relocated to suburban Foxborough in 1971, changing their name and leaving a void in Boston's football scene.
1974: Desegregation Busing Crisis
Beginning in 1974, Boston faced significant conflict and unrest due to the implementation of desegregation busing in public schools, leading to social upheaval and violence throughout the mid-1970s.
August 2, 1975: Record Warm Daily Minimum Temperature
On August 2, 1975, Boston experienced a record warm daily minimum temperature of 83°F (28°C), indicating unusually warm overnight conditions.
1984: Start of Columbia Point Complex Redevelopment
The redevelopment of the Columbia Point complex into a mixed-income residential development began in 1984.
1990: Peak Murder Rate
Boston experienced a high murder rate in 1990, with 152 murders, resulting in a rate of 26.5 per 100,000 people.
1990: Rededication of Columbia Point Health Center and Redevelopment of Columbia Point Complex
In 1990, the Columbia Point Health Center was renamed the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center. That same year marked the completion of the redevelopment of the Columbia Point complex into Harbor Point Apartments, a mixed-income residential community.
1991: Start of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project (Big Dig)
The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, commonly known as the "Big Dig," commenced in 1991, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation infrastructure in downtown Boston.
1991: The Improper Bostonian Begins Publication
The glossy lifestyle magazine, The Improper Bostonian, started its publication in 1991 and ran until April 2019.
1993: The New York Times Acquires The Boston Globe
In 1993, The Boston Globe, a prominent newspaper in the city, was acquired by The New York Times Company.
1999: Bicycling Magazine Ranks Boston as Worst for Cycling
Bicycling magazine named Boston as one of the worst cities in the U.S. for cycling between 1999 and 2006.
1999: "Boston Miracle" and Crime Reduction
By 1999, murders in Boston plummeted to 31, with none involving juveniles, leading to a significantly lower murder rate of 5.26 per 100,000. This dramatic reduction in crime was attributed to the "Boston Miracle," a result of collaborative efforts between the Boston Police Department, community groups, and legal authorities.
2000: Boston's Bicycle Commuting Rate
In 2000, only 1% of commuters in Boston used bicycles.
2000: Shifting Demographics
In 2000, Boston's demographics shifted, with non-Hispanic Whites making up 49.5% of the population. This marked the first time the city became majority minority, signifying a change in the city's racial and ethnic composition.
2001: Start of Boston's Championship Streak
A period of exceptional success for Boston's sports teams began in 2001, marking the start of numerous championship victories.
2001: New England Patriots Super Bowl Victory
The New England Patriots, despite their relocation, brought home the Super Bowl trophy in 2001, marking a significant victory for the team and their fans.
2003: Championship Wins
Boston's sports teams continued their winning streak in 2003, securing more championships.
2003: New England Patriots Super Bowl Victory
The New England Patriots continued their winning ways in 2003, securing another Super Bowl victory.
2004: Championship Wins
2004 proved to be another successful year for Boston's sports teams, adding more championships to their impressive record.
2004: Acquisition of FleetBoston Financial by Bank of America
In 2004, FleetBoston Financial, a major financial institution based in Boston, was acquired by Bank of America, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking a significant shift in the regional financial landscape.
2004: New England Patriots Super Bowl Victory
In 2004, the New England Patriots achieved a remarkable feat, winning their third Super Bowl in four years.
2004: Start of EPA Air Quality Monitoring Period
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began monitoring air quality in Boston in 2004, marking the start of a period of consistent air quality assessment.
2006: The Big Dig Completed
The Big Dig, a major infrastructure project that included replacing the elevated Central Artery with the O'Neill Tunnel, was largely completed in early 2006.
2006: Shifting Demographics
By 2006, estimations from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that non-Hispanic Whites once again constituted a slight majority in Boston's population. This shift suggested a potential reversal of the trend observed in 2000, where the city had become majority minority.
2006: Decline in Car Commuting in Boston MSA
Between 2006 and 2013, the Boston MSA saw the most significant decrease (3.3%) in workers commuting by car among MSAs with over half a million residents.
2006: Bicycling Magazine Ranks Boston as Worst for Cycling
Bicycling magazine named Boston as one of the worst cities in the U.S. for cycling between 1999 and 2006.
2007: Championship Wins
Boston's sports teams maintained their championship momentum in 2007, securing victories in major leagues.
2007: Completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project
The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, a massive infrastructure undertaking, reached completion in 2007, resulting in the removal of the elevated Central Artery and the creation of new green spaces and open areas, transforming the cityscape.
2007: First Climate Action Plan
Under the leadership of Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston implemented its first Climate Action Plan in 2007, demonstrating early recognition of climate change's impact.
2008: Homicide Rate in 2008
In 2008, Boston reported 62 homicides, indicating a fluctuating crime rate over the years.
2008: American Community Survey
The period spanning from 2008 to 2012 marks the timeframe for the 2008–2012 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, which serves as a valuable source of demographic and socioeconomic data for Boston.
2008: Championship Wins
Boston experienced another successful year in sports in 2008, with teams securing championships in their respective leagues.
2008: Bicycling Magazine Recognizes Boston's Cycling Improvements
Bicycling magazine listed Boston as a "Future Best City" for biking in 2008, recognizing the city's efforts in improving cycling conditions.
2009: Boston's Bicycle Commuting Rate Increases
Boston experienced an increase in its bicycle commuting rate, reaching 2.1% in 2009.
2009: Formation of the Boston Breakers
The Boston Breakers, a women's professional soccer team, were established in 2009, expanding the city's presence in the world of soccer.
2009: Christian Science Monitor Shifts to Online and Weekly Format
The Christian Science Monitor, headquartered in Boston, transitioned from a daily print newspaper to an online and weekly magazine format in 2009.
2010: Religious Demographics
As of 2010, the Catholic Church held the largest following among individual denominations in the Greater Boston area, boasting over two million members and 339 churches. The Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ followed with substantial memberships of 58,000 and 55,000, respectively, highlighting the prevalence of these denominations in the region.
2010: Population Growth
In 2010, Boston experienced a population increase of 12% compared to a decade prior. This marked a significant growth in the city's residents.
2010: Shifting Demographics
In 2010, Boston's population dynamics shifted again, with the non-White population rebounding. This rebound was partly attributed to the housing crash and efforts to increase affordable housing options, making the city more accessible to a more diverse population.
July 2011: Hubway Bike-Sharing Program Launches
Boston launched its bike-sharing program, Hubway (later renamed Bluebikes), in late July 2011.
2011: Boston Ranked Third Most Walkable City
Walk Score ranked Boston as the third most walkable city in the United States in 2011.
2011: Tourism and Economy
In 2011, tourism played a vital role in Boston's economy, attracting 21.2 million domestic and international visitors who contributed $8.3 billion in revenue. The city's appeal as a tourist destination significantly boosted its economic activity.
2011: Low Snowfall During Winter 2011-2012
The winter of 2011-2012 saw unusually low snowfall in Boston, with only 9.3 inches (23.6 cm) accumulating throughout the season.
2011: Championship Wins
Boston's sports teams continued their winning streak in 2011, adding to their impressive championship history.
2011: Update to Climate Action Plan
Boston's Climate Action Plan was updated in 2011, reflecting the city's ongoing efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change.
2012: Hubway Expands to Neighboring Municipalities
Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline joined the Hubway bike-sharing program in the summer of 2012.
2012: Elizabeth Warren Elected to the U.S. Senate
Democrat Elizabeth Warren was elected as the senior member of the United States Senate from Massachusetts in 2012.
2012: American Community Survey
The 2008–2012 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, encompassing data from 2008 to 2012, provide insights into various aspects of Boston's population and characteristics.
2012: Assassin's Creed III is Released
The video game Assassin's Creed III, which features Boston as its setting, was released in 2012.
2012: American Community Survey
The years 2012 to 2016 mark the timeframe for the 2012–2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, which provides valuable data on various demographic and socioeconomic factors in Boston.
April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon Bombing
On April 15, 2013, a tragic terrorist attack occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, where two bombs were detonated, resulting in the loss of three lives and injuries to approximately 264 people.
2013: Ed Markey Elected to the U.S. Senate
Following John Kerry's appointment as Secretary of State, Ed Markey, a Democrat, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2013.
2013: Championship Wins
In 2013, Boston's sports teams continued their winning tradition, adding more championships to their impressive collection.
2013: ParkScore Ranking
In 2013, The Trust for Public Land's ParkScore ranking placed Boston's park system as the third-best in the U.S. among the 50 most populous cities.
2013: Research Institutions Funding
In 2013, hospitals, universities, and research institutions in Greater Boston received over $1.77 billion in National Institutes of Health grants, surpassing any other American metropolitan area.
2013: The Boston Globe Sold to John W. Henry
The Boston Globe was sold to Boston businessman John W. Henry in 2013, returning ownership of the newspaper to local interests.
2013: Low Rate of Car Commuting in Boston MSA
The Boston-Cambridge-Newton metropolitan statistical area had the seventh-lowest percentage (75.6%) of workers commuting by car in 2013.
2013: End of EPA Air Quality Monitoring Period
By the end of 2013, Boston experienced only four days with unhealthy air quality for the general public, according to EPA data.
2013: Growing Diversity
In 2013, Boston was home to over 27,000 Chinese Americans, highlighting the city's increasing diversity and the growth of its Asian American community.
2014: Religious Diversity
In 2014, a Pew Research Center study revealed the religious landscape of Boston, indicating that 57% of the city's population identified as Christian, with a significant proportion of Protestants and Roman Catholics. Notably, 33% of residents claimed no religious affiliation, showcasing the city's religious diversity and the prevalence of secularism.
2014: New England Patriots Super Bowl Victory
The New England Patriots, after a decade-long wait, emerged victorious in the Super Bowl once again in 2014, showcasing their enduring strength and determination.
2014: Further Update to Climate Action Plan
In 2014, Mayor Marty Walsh continued the focus on climate action with another update to the city's plan, demonstrating a sustained commitment to environmental sustainability.
2014: International Tourism
In 2014, Boston welcomed over 1.4 million international tourists, excluding visitors from Canada and Mexico, underscoring the city's global appeal. Tourists from China and the United Kingdom emerged as the leading groups, highlighting the city's popularity among these nationalities.
2014: Championship Wins
Boston's sports teams continued their winning ways in 2014, adding to their championship legacy.
July 27, 2015: Withdrawal of Bid for 2024 Summer Olympics
Boston withdrew its bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games on July 27, 2015, citing financial concerns.
2015: Car-Free Households in Boston
In 2015, 35.4% of Boston households didn't own a car, exceeding the national average.
2015: Jewish Population
In 2015, the Boston metro area was home to a significant Jewish population, estimated at approximately 248,000 individuals. A considerable portion of these Jewish households resided within the city itself, as well as in nearby towns like Brookline, Newton, Cambridge, Somerville, and their surrounding areas, highlighting the concentration of Jewish communities in and around Boston.
2015: Homicide Rate in 2015
In 2015, there were 40 homicides recorded in Boston.
2015: Formation of the Boston Storm
The Boston Storm, a team in the United Women's Lacrosse League, was formed in 2015, adding to the city's diverse sports landscape.
2015: Fallout 4 is Released
The video game Fallout 4, set in Boston, was launched in 2015.
2015: Boston Maintains Walkability Ranking
Walk Score continued to rank Boston as the third most walkable city in the U.S. in 2015.
January 2016: Corporate Relocation
In a significant development for Boston's economic landscape, General Electric (GE) announced its decision to move its global headquarters from Fairfield, Connecticut, to the city's Seaport District in January 2016. The move signaled Boston's growing prominence as a hub for innovation and technology, attracting major corporations seeking to tap into its skilled workforce and vibrant ecosystem.
December 30, 2016: Continued Decline in Crime Rates
By December 30, 2016, Boston witnessed a 7% decrease in major crime compared to the previous year, with 46 homicides, marking a continuing trend of declining crime rates.
2016: New England Patriots Super Bowl Victory
The New England Patriots continued their dominance in the NFL with another Super Bowl victory in 2016, solidifying their status as a football dynasty.
2016: Car-Free Households in Boston
The number of Boston households without a car slightly dropped to 33.8% in 2016, still significantly higher than the 8.7% national average.
2016: Hubway Infrastructure
By 2016, Hubway had 1,461 bikes and 158 docking stations across Boston.
2016: American Community Survey
The 2012–2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, covering data from 2012 to 2016, offers insights into Boston's population composition and characteristics, including ancestry groups and other demographic variables.
2016: Championship Wins
Boston's sports teams secured more championships in 2016, solidifying their status as a sports powerhouse.
2016: Boston Bids for 2024 Summer Olympics
Boston briefly pursued a bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, with support from the mayor, business leaders, and philanthropists, but the bid was ultimately withdrawn due to public opposition.
2016: General Electric Relocates Headquarters to Boston
General Electric announced its decision to move its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to Boston's rapidly developing Seaport District in 2016, joining a growing number of companies in the neighborhood.
2017: Establishment of the Boston Uprising
The Boston Uprising, an esports team competing in the Overwatch League, was established in 2017, marking Boston's entry into the world of esports.
2018: End of Boston's Championship Streak
By the end of 2018, Boston's professional sports teams had achieved an impressive feat, winning twelve championships in a span of 17 years.
2018: Global Financial Center
In 2018, Boston secured its position as a major global financial hub, ranking thirteenth in the Global Financial Centres Index. This ranking highlighted the city's competitiveness in the financial services sector, solidifying its status as a key player in the global financial landscape.
2018: Hispanic/Latino Population Growth
In 2018, Greater Boston saw substantial growth in its Hispanic/Latino communities. Notably, the Dominican population reached an estimated 150,000, while the Puerto Rican community numbered around 134,000. Other groups, including Salvadorans, Guatemalans, Mexicans, and Colombians, also saw increases, contributing to the region's growing Hispanic/Latino presence.
2018: New England Patriots Super Bowl Victory
In 2018, the New England Patriots secured their sixth Super Bowl victory, further cementing their legacy as one of the most successful teams in NFL history.
April 2019: The Improper Bostonian Ceases Publication
The Improper Bostonian, a lifestyle magazine, stopped publishing in April 2019 after running from 1991.
July 21, 2019: Record Warm Daily Minimum Temperature Tied
Boston tied its record warm daily minimum temperature on July 21, 2019, also reaching 83°F (28°C).
September 2019: Education Initiative
In a commendable move to promote educational savings and opportunities, the city of Boston officially launched the "Boston Saves" program in September 2019. This initiative aimed to provide every child enrolled in the city's kindergarten system with a savings account containing $50, intended for future college or career training expenses. The program reflected Boston's commitment to early investment in education and creating pathways for future success among its youngest residents.
2019: Traffic Congestion
In 2019, Boston faced significant challenges with traffic congestion, with drivers in the area losing an estimated 164 hours annually due to traffic, resulting in a cost of $2,300 per driver in lost productivity. The traffic issues highlighted the need for improved transportation infrastructure and solutions to mitigate congestion and its economic impact.
2019: Most Recent Update to Climate Action Plan
The most recent update to Boston's climate action plan was released in 2019, showcasing the city's proactive approach to addressing climate change.
2019: Boston's Championship Wins
By 2019, Boston had achieved a remarkable feat, winning a total of 39 championships across the four major North American men's professional sports leagues and Major League Soccer.
2019: Update to Boston's Climate Plan
Boston updated its climate plan in 2019, reflecting the city's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability.
2020: 2020 United States Census
As per the 2020 United States Census, the population of Boston was recorded at 675,647, securing its position as the third-largest city in the Northeast.
2020: Population Growth
In 2020, Boston's population was estimated at 691,531, reflecting a 12% increase from 2010. The city experiences a significant influx of people during work hours and special events, with numbers potentially reaching 1.2 million and 2 million, respectively, due to suburban residents commuting for work, education, healthcare, and various activities.
March 2021: Kim Janey Becomes Acting Mayor
Following Marty Walsh's confirmation as Secretary of Labor, Kim Janey, the former City Council President, assumed the role of Acting Mayor in March 2021.
November 2021: Michelle Wu Becomes Mayor
Michelle Wu, a city councilor, was elected as the mayor of Boston in November 2021.
2021: Boston Police Department Budget
The Boston Police Department received $414 million in funding in the fiscal year 2021 budget, making it the second-largest allocation after Boston Public Schools.
2021: TD Garden Hosts Laver Cup
In 2021, the TD Garden, home to the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics, hosted the Laver Cup, a prestigious international men's tennis tournament.
July 24, 2022: Last 100°F Temperature Reading
The last time Boston's temperature reached 100°F (38°C) was on July 24, 2022.
2022: Bluebikes Infrastructure
The bike-sharing program, now known as Bluebikes, has expanded to 400 stations with 4,000 bikes in 2022.
February 4, 2023: Record Low Temperature Since 1957
On February 4, 2023, Boston experienced a record low temperature of -10°F (-23°C), marking the coldest temperature recorded in the city since 1957.
2024: U.S. Applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics
Boston was a candidate city to be the U.S. applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
2024: Potential Bid for Summer Olympics
Boston's passion for sports led to the United States Olympic Committee considering the city as a potential host for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
2026: Boston to Host FIFA World Cup Matches
Boston was selected as one of eleven U.S. cities to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the city's global prominence and ability to host major sporting events.
2028: Los Angeles Awarded the 2028 Summer Olympics
After Boston withdrew its bid, Los Angeles was chosen as the American candidate city and eventually won the right to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.